Montana Madness

by Sioux Dallas

  Ginger told them all that had transpired on her ranch including the deaths. She told them of her plans and why she had them.

  Arline listened, nodding her head but saying nothing. Howard pulled his lower lip and thought deeply about Ginger’s plans. He finally looked straight at Ginger. “Honey, I can’t tell you what to do, but I will say that I know how hard you’ve worked to keep the ranch going. I can fully understand your concerns. Your ideas do sound good, but are you aware of how much work it’s going to take to implement them? Will you be happy in the long run without a cattle ranch as you’ve had? Of course you’ll still be training horses and I can guess you’ll be giving riding lessons. Don’t give up your dreams. My personal opinion is that Chaska Magi would be proud of you for the love and work you’ve put into the ranch and now, with an aching heart, making such drastic changes to save it.”

  Ginger looked behind her when she heard a shuffle and heavy breathing. James had come in with his foreman, Stephen Two Feathers and a hand, Samuel Weaver. She didn’t know how much they had heard, but didn’t really care. She knew they were friends and would not betray her.

  Stephan apologized for the intrusion and said he didn’t like the idea of a guest ranch but it might be necessary to save the ranch. James said it would take some thinking over and he would support her in whatever was decided.

  Ginger looked at Samuel. She could tell he was a boy in a grown man’s body. He was tall, muscular, handsome with deep dimples as he smiled often. “Samuel, what do you think about what you’ve heard?”

  Samuel shuffled his feet and ducked his head. “I don’t rightly know. I never know what I’m thinking until I’ve already said it.” He looked puzzled when everyone laughed. James clapped him on the back and told him what a good worker he was and how glad he was to have him. Stephen and Samuel went into the kitchen to get something to eat.

  Ginger jumped up and apologized for taking up so much time. She hadn’t been aware that it was lunch time. “I’m sorry if I’m being rude, but what is the story about Samuel?”

  Arline spoke up. “His daddy worked for us and his mother helped out in the house sometimes. They tried for years to get pregnant and finally it happened. When the mother was in the eighth month, the daddy was killed when something stampeded the cattle. His horse lost his footing and they fell in front of the frenzied herd, both horse and rider lost their lives. The mother almost had a mental breakdown. She gave up living and the baby had to be taken by C section. The mother died on the table. Another hand of ours, and his wife, raised the baby. Apparently that last month, when the mother was so upset, caused a mental defect.”

  “He is one of my best workers and will do anything he’s instructed to do. He’s easy-going and the men appreciate working with him. Everyone keeps an eye out for him, but he likes to be treated as one of the men,” James explained.

  “I could tell he felt confident and knew he had been loved and trained well.” She put a hand over her eyes, then rubbed her face. “I still am not sure what to do. I know for a fact that I need money to operate on and I don’t need the worry of sending men out to guard cattle and risk getting killed or crippled for life. I’ve prayed about it and have faith that a solution will be found.”

  Ginger left feeling happy about her visit but still undecided as to how to go about bringing her dream to fruition. She turned her face away from Juanita to keep from smiling so broadly. Juanita was upset.

  Chapter Sixteen

  “Ginger, you’re going to have to tell that Sharpie character to keep out of here except for meals. He’s flirting with me and I sure am not interested. I’d never be interested in a gambler and a shiftless man.”

  Ginger hated that she couldn’t tell Juanita who Sharpie really was; that he was an undercover police. Juanita would be hurt and angry when she learned the truth. She hoped it wouldn’t be too much longer until the truth could be told. She hated she had given her solemn promise to not tell a soul about the undercover police. Ginger was pleased because she loved Juanita and thought Sharpie would be great for her.

  Going out after lunch to do some work that she had missed that morning,

  Ginger felt the drop in temperature. She looked up to see the pregnant belly of the gray clouds hanging low with promise of snow. As she walked into the barn she heard an unusual noise. Her heart became sledgehammer heavy pounding blood to her brain as fear knocked in her chest. A wave of apprehensive went slithering up her spine. What is that or who is it? I hope none of those unfriendly types are here in the barn getting ready to burn it or do harm in some way.

  She reached to quietly pick up a shovel leaning against a stall and tiptoed farther into the barn looking apprehensively around. Passing a stall she shrieked and raised the shovel to hit the male form backing out of the stall.

  “Whoa. None of that.” Jack quickly reached and took the shovel. “What were you thinking? You could have killed me.” He chuckled then.

  “I didn’t know who was in here and I sure didn’t know you would be in the barn. What are you doing?”

  “Look in the stall and you’ll see.”

  She looked over the stall gate and gasped. A very young cow was in the stall and had just given birth to twin calves. “What? How?” She stuttered.

  “I found her near the first pasture gate and knew this was probably her first pregnancy. She’s young and it’s late in the year for a cow, or heifer, to be giving birth. I brought her in and have been giving her encouragement. I washed her face with a wet cloth and stroked her and sung to her. She seemed grateful for the attention and companionship.”

  Ginger was too astonished to speak for a moment. “Well, whatever is decided I’m keeping her and the calves. She looks as if she will be a good milk cow. Can you tell yet whether the calves are male or female?”

  “Sure. I delivered them. They’re both little heifers.”

  “Goody. That’s great news. Are you sure she’s all right? Should I call for a veterinarian?”

  “I don’t think that will be necessary. I’ll keep an eye on her. I’m going to prepare a special mash for her to eat, but not immediately. She needs time to recuperate and the calves need to learn to nurse. We may need to help out there in the near future. You may be raising them on a bottle.”

  Ginger thanked him and stumbled back to the house to share the news with Juanita and the Ming sisters. “I’ve always said I thought God sent Jack to us. He’s been a real angel more than once.” Later, thinking over the surprising event, she wondered why Jack laughed so hard when he said she could have killed him.

  Juanita still complained about Sharpie’s attention, but Ginger noted that she looked out of the corner of her eye to see where Sharpie was. Maybe Juanita is trying to keep an open mind and I know Sharpie is interested. It’s a crying shame that he can’t tell her yet who he really is. I sure hope they have a connection when he can tell her.

  Hank had Moose help him come to Ginger’s house and asked Frank, Jack, Saunders and Sharpie to join them. He asked Juanita to provide hot cider and snacks. She put vegetable crackers, two kinds of cheese and fresh fruit on a tray on the dining room table. All of them could fit around the table with no trouble. Juanita was grateful that she was allowed to listen.

  Hank began. “Ginger, we’ve cussed and discussed your plan for a guest ranch.” He stopped and looked at Juanita when she gasped aloud and then apologized. She looked at Ginger as if she were hurt.

  “Would you agree to try your plan for one year on a trial basis?”

  “One year?’ Ginger hesitated. “I guess that wouldn’t hurt anything. In fact, it’s an excellent idea. Who knows. I may decided differently after we try it. May I share my plan with you?”

  The men all agreed and Juanita settled in a chair forgetting that she was supposed to be serving.

  “I have some ideas for an advertisement brochure. I’ll read them to you and then if everyone wants their own copy, I’ll see that you get one. I have pictures of a cabin, some cattle and
horses and a couple of cowboys. Inside I have:

  Visit an authentic western spread and be part of the fun. You will have the privilege of working with the cowboys. There will be trail rides, camping out with singing around the fire, fishing, hiking and sightseeing in the area. You can learn to throw a rope, ride a horse and shoot an arrow. This will be the most delightful three weeks you’ve ever lived. If interested please get your application and check in no later than a week before the fun starts. For further information call 406-555-7964 and mail your check and application to Majestic Equine Ranch, 405 N. Hanson Rd, St. Ignatius, Montana 59865. Limit twelve. First come, first served.”

  “That sounds good enough,” Hank interrupted, “except you left out the cost of the three weeks.”

  “That’s where I need your input. I wasn’t sure whether to tell the cost up front or wait until someone shows interest.”

  “Tell all the information you can,” Saunders offered. “People want to know what the cost is going to be and what is to be offered. Have you thought of day to day activities?”

  “Oh, yes. I checked with others and almost chocked at the price, but they’re getting food, a horse, a cabin, instructions, fun events and sightseeing. I find that a single, -er shall we call them a camper; I find a single would be Four thousand five hundred and a couple would be Eight thousand five hundred. I came up with Three thousand for each child, if they bring children. And should we furnish a babysitter?”

  “Before we discuss any of that information, what have you planned for day to day?” Frank looked worried.

  “I did. I’ve decided the three weeks would start on May first, June fifth, July tenth and August seventh. We’ll try those four sessions first. The first night the group gathers will be a Saturday night. We’ll have a campfire with food, singing and socializing. The next morning is Sunday. They can have the morning to either attend church of their choice or just lay in and loaf.

  We’ll have a van to take them into town.”

  “We’ll start activities at about two in the afternoon. That second day they’ll walk out and meet the horses then have a hay ride to view a lot of the property. The third day there will be riding lessons for those who need them and riding for those who haven’t ridden for a while and need a refresher course. For those who already know how to ride, they can work with the hands if they wish. The fourth day there’ll be sightseeing in St. Ignatius and the Indian Reservation. The fifth day there’ll be riding and trail rides with sack lunches. Be sure to bring cameras. The sixth day more sightseeing in Billings back home for six P.M. dinner. Some may want to stay and work. The seventh, eighth and ninth days a cattle drive with camping out. Gimpy and another hand will show them how to cook outdoors. The tenth day we’ll have a campfire and a barn dance with refreshments. Our own hands have a western music group and neighbors will be invited.

  The eleventh day fishing, hiking, riding or working. The twelfth trail riding with sack lunches. The thirteenth day sightseeing and meeting Amish and nearby neighbors. The fourteenth day trail riding with sack lunches and rounding up the mustangs for counting and checking for injuries, etc.

  The fifteenth day will be a free day. If you want to work with the hands ride on your own, write letters, enjoy the library, do as you please. The sixteenth day trail riding with sack lunches. Gimpy and one of the hands will drive a chuck wagon out and show you how to cook in the great outdoors. The seventeenth day learn to throw a rope, shoot a gun and shoot arrows. You’re free to work with the horses and or hands if you’d rather. The eighteenth day more of the same instructions. The nineteenth day plan a show of your own. Skits, dancing, singing, throwing a rope, comedian, or whatever you wish to show. The twentieth day wash clothes, get ready to leave and put on your show. Neighbors will be invited for a bar-b-que and campfire. The twenty first day will be a final barn dance and campfire. Leave the next morning after breakfast.”

  “I know I’ve left out items and I will make some adjustments. I’m going to ask some of the hands to help me build a twenty-five by thirty room with a bathroom for a library, letter writing, washing clothes and just plain loafing. There’ll be tables and comfortable chairs. Well, what do you think? Hands will be assigned to have group activities for children.”

  There was complete silence as they absorbed the information. Juanita finally spoke. “It’s obvious you’ve given this a lot of thought and I think you’ve planned well. I’ve never been involved with a guest ranch and don’t know what to expect, but I’m willing to cooperate. I take it this means three meals a day for the guests. Who’s going to clean the cabins each day?”

  “Juanita, I couldn’t operate without you. The Ming sisters can do the cleaning. If necessary we’ll hire temporary help for the cooking and cleaning through each session. I hope I can work in a day to see Yellowstone National Park.”

  “Ginger,” Hank pulled his left ear and spoke thought-fully. “have you thought how much it will cost to prepare for this and how much work will be involved? We’ll have to put in more than one septic tank for bathrooms. Electricity and water will need to be run and inspected. Men will need to take a flatbed and a tractor to cut trees and split wood for fireplaces.”

  “Yes, Hank. I’ve thought of all of that. What I get for the sale of the cattle will help us get started. I want to open a separate bank account just for this venture. Initial output of money won’t have to be repeated except to keep cabins habitable and animals healthy. Hands will be paid just the same.”

  Frank shifted in his chair. “With a few calves and horses left, the feed we have raised will go farther. We’ll have a real good crop of hay this year to carry us through the winter.”

  “We’ll need at least six cabins prepared, two of them for families. Fireplaces will need to be inspected to ensure no accidents.” Ginger chewed on the end of her pen as she spoke slowly. “I need to check for liability and medical insurance, permits and whatever is necessary.”

  Sharpie stood up. “This is all I can take in for one night. We’ll need to think about this and discuss it again soon. You need to get started quickly if you go through with it.” He slowly wandered out after winking at Juanita and causing her to huff and almost turn her chair over jerking her body.

  Jack stood and leaned over to hug Ginger and whisper to her. “Pray about it and I, too, will cooperate with you. Let me know what you need.” He walked out.

  Saunders and Frank talked Hank into letting them take him home in his wheelchair explaining it was dark and the ground was rough which might cause him to fall. Hank was a very independent gentleman and hated that he needed help of this nature.

  The stress and anxiety caused Ginger to have stomach cramps. She showered and dressed for bed. Falling into an uneasy sleep, she dreamed that she was walking across a pasture with her Grandfather and talking to him. She told him of the financial problems she was having and what her plans for the future were. Chaska Magi didn’t talk, but he listened carefully. He finally hugged her, smiled, nodded his head and disappeared. The next morning, when she awakened, Ginger remembered her dream and felt it was Grandfather’s way of approving of what she was doing. She felt a little easier.

  Chapter Seventeen

  The next morning everyone awoke to a skift of snow on the ground. Ginger hurriedly dressed and went out to take care of her beloved horses.

  Somehow I must find the money to build a large indoor ring to be used in cold, windy weather or during the hot summer. The animals will appreciate it and I know I sure will.

  She was dressed so thickly that she had difficulty mounting the horses for a training session. Four hours later she went in the house to a scolding from Juanita for not eating before she went out. She was so thankful for Juanita and her care and concern that she just sat down quietly and ate what was placed in front of her.

  Ginger went back out and found Jack working with a horse she did not recognize. She stood quietly so that she wouldn’t frighten the horse and watched carefully. She was so impressed w
ith the gentle but firm way Jack was handling the young horse that she wanted to get closer and ask him questions about his training techniques.

  Before she could go into the ring with Jack, Ginger turned when she heard her name called. Frank came walking toward her so bundled up that she smiled at him. “Hey, Frank. The way you’re dressed one would think you’re cold.”

  With chattering teeth he answered. “It’s winter for sure in case no one has informed you. What are you doing out here?”

  “I really came out to see if you’ve directed some hands to go cut trees and chop them into fireplace lengths. We’ll need lots of wood before the winter is over even with the heating system. You know, of course, that sometimes the electricity goes off and we’ll need the fireplaces for warmth and to cook over.”

  “Yes, I just got three of the men started with a flatbed and a tractor to cut trees. They’ll bring them here and several of us will help cut them into usable pieces. Did you want anything else?

  “No. thank you. Just don’t forget to tell them I want new little trees planted to make sure we keep a crop of trees.”

  “I’ll remind them. Adam Whitefeather came by early this morning to tell us that another raid was made on the Campbell property last night. No person was hurt, but some of the horses must have spooked and got caught in barb wire. They called the veterinarian to take care of them.”

  “I’m so sorry to hear about that. We’ve been fortunate that we haven’t had any dire needs for a vet except for inoculations and general servicing.”

  “We’re lucky, yes, but Jack is as good as a vet. In extreme emergencies. I’m thankful that he’s with us.”